On May 1, one day before their final classes at Delbarton, nine seniors sat at the Old Main piano to perform a piece of music reflecting what each had learned in teacher Matt Corica's semester-long Intro to Piano senior elective. After a brief welcome, Corica sat by the piano to offer occasional page-turning assistance.

Traditionally, this introductory course attracts students new to the piano, yet many commonly have deeper experience and self-confidence in other activities at Delbarton. With its Succisa Virescit ethos, Delbarton offers young men many opportunities to escape their comfort zones and try something new. Intro to Piano? Challenge accepted. 

Given the anxiety of the moment, and the fact that family members and Delbarton friends filled the seats in the Kountze Room, we were impressed by the composure of each formally attired pianist as he rose from his seat, bowed, sat down to play his music, accepted a round of applause, bowed again, and returned -- with visible relief -- to his seat. We spotted several sports coaches in the back, there to support their athletes and a grace note to be appreciated.

Pianists from the Class of 2025 included Roman Valva, Connor Tyrone, Jack Ross, Luca Lopez, Lucas Cardinale, Jack Gerne, David Rodriguez, Joshua Pieroni and James Hazdima. We salute you all, gentlemen. Keep playing!